KEY POINTS:
The New Zealand Olympic men's football team has warmed up for a likely Oceania qualifying decider against the Solomon Islands with an uninspiring 5-2 win against Papua New Guinea in Fiji.
The Oly-Whites trailed 1-0 early in the match and only hit the lead 13 minutes into the second-half.
Defender Cole Tinkler concedes it was a below par performance and that they did not adapt to the conditions in the first half.
Tinkler said in the heat, keeping good shape and composure is important and that did not happen, although the team may have had one eye on the Solomon Islands in a couple of days.
He said the officiating was again far from desirable, although that was not unexpected given that there are not world class referees in tournament's like this.
New Zealand faces the Solomon Islands tomorrow, with the winner in the prime position to qualify for Beijing.
The Oly-Whites are unbeaten after three matches. The Solomon Islands routed Vanuatu five-nil last night.
- NEWSTALK ZB
